Re-determination and appeals timescales extended

help businesses, public services and people through the ongoing pandemic.

This
includes some changes to the way that Social Security Scotland can manage re-determinations
and appeals.

These
changes are to enable people time to have their decision looked at again should
Covid-19 impact on their ability to submit their request within set timescales.

These
changes have also been made to allow for any increased absences that Social
Security Scotland may experience as a result of Covid-19.

Social
Security Scotland will work towards maintaining normal turn around for
re-determinations and appeals for as long as possible.

Clients can normally submit re-determination
requests up to one year from the date of receiving their original decision, as
long as they have a good reason. The impact of Covid-19 will now be considered
as a potential good reason.

If somebody is coming up to the end of their
year-long period for a redetermination or appeal, and missed this deadline due
to a Covid-19 reason, Social Security Scotland and the Tribunal will have
discretion to allow late requests.

The deadline for
processing re-determinations has also been extended. On top of the current 16
working day deadline, there will be an additional nine weeks processing time
available if required. However, re-determinations will continue to be made as
soon as reasonably possible.